George Wallace

George Wallace gets all the laughs

Staff Report

George Wallace gets laughs out of the horrible things that happen in the news and the typical things that happen at McDonald's.

There are certain things, such as being from the South, his love of gospel, which Wallace covers in his act-most of the time.

But his real genius is for playing off of others, as when audience members are brought on stage to receive gifts. His "Where are you from" questioning frequently gives Wallace opportunities to show off a staggering knowledge of geography with a sometimes remarkably specific barb or comment. Is there anywhere he hasn't been?

Wherever he has been, Wallace was probably working there. On a recent night, one audience member mentioned first seeing him nearly 15 years ago in Ohio, while another caught him a few years ago in Pittsburgh, and yet another couple saw the show last year right here in Las Vegas.

The reason so many people are repeat visitors to this show is because Wallace's gifted improvisation makes it one of those rare show that really is different every time you see it.

On a great night, Wallace can get more laughs from riffing on that day's headlines than someone else can get out of jokes honed through years of practice.